Upper School
AT A GLANCE
Founded: 1742
Campus:
Merle-Smith Upper
School Campus 120 acres
Enrollment:
Upper School 285
Enrollment Other Divisions:
Lower School (Pre-k – Grade 5) 310 Middle School (Grade 6 – Grade 8) 185 Total Enrollment 780
Faculty and Staff:
Upper School 60
Upper School Tuition 2010-2011:
$21,570
Accreditation:
Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools www.moravianacademy.org Bethlehem, PA Professional Opportunity Beginning Summer 2010
Director of the
Upper School
Moravian Academy, a pre-k through grade 12 independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school located in Bethlehem, PA, seeks a Director of the Upper School who will guide the program of its 285 upper school students (grades 9-12) and a dedicated, experienced faculty and staff. This “Profile for Candidates” provides an overview of the school, characteristics sought in its next upper school leader, and information about the application process.
The School
History
Since 1742, Moravian Academy has educated the “mind, body, and spirit” of young people whose families seek a quality, enriched educational experience for their children. A coeducational, college preparatory day school, the Academy enrolls 780 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
The ninth oldest independent school in the country, Moravian Academy traces its origins to its 1742 founding by the Moravians. Moravian Academy is the result of the merger of the two schools that were established by the Moravians in Bethlehem: Moravian Seminary for Girls and Moravian Preparatory School. The schools were committed to rigorous academic instruction, but they were also dedicated to nurturing and developing the whole child. Moravian is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Setting
The Lehigh Valley is an area with a rich concentration of colleges and universities -- institutions such as Cedar Crest, DeSales, Lehigh, Lafayette, Muhlenberg, Moravian, Stroudsburg, Kutztown, and two strong community colleges.
Residents find the city of Bethlehem, with a population of 70,000, to be a family-friendly community. The region is widely known for its music offerings. Each year, Musikfest attracts music scholars, performers, and enthusiasts from all over the world. Additionally, the city’s proximity to New York City (an hour-and-a-half east of the campus) and Philadelphia (an hour-and-a-half south) provides access to the extraordinary opportunities and resources uniquely associated with major urban areas. The Mission
“Moravian Academy is a church-related school whose Moravian tradition affirms that young people best realize their potential in an atmosphere of love and understanding. We seek to promote the child’s full development in mind, body, and spirit. Since 1742 the school has encouraged sound innovations to meet contemporary challenges while recognizing the permanence of basic human values.” The Campus
The Upper School is located in suburban Bethlehem on the 120-acre Merle-Smith Campus. Moravian’s Lower and Middle Schools occupy a downtown campus, a 15-minute drive from the Upper School.
At the center of the Merle-Smith Campus is Snyder House, an historic mansion now devoted to classrooms, a chorale/music room, and administrative offices. Walter Hall, a large complex across from Snyder, houses additional classrooms, the library, auditorium, dining room, kitchen, and modern woodworking studio. Other campus facilities include the Heath Science Labs and the Couch Arts Center which provides space for studio art and photography labs. There are fields for baseball, softball, field hockey, lacrosse, and soccer and an outdoor pool which is primarily used for summer recreation. Benigna House, the Headmaster’s home, is also located on campus.
Within the next several years, the Upper School campus will include a new Athletic Center and experience several other expansions and renovations. These changes are initiatives resulting from the school’s recent Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan which call for the relocation of the Middle School to the Merle-Smith Campus.
Educational Programs
Academics
Challenging and motivating every student while emphasizing collaboration in the pursuit of academic excellence is the hallmark of a Moravian Academy education. Upper School students often boast of their school as having a highly intellectual academic environment where they interact constantly with teachers. In studies, they are encouraged to know the facts but, more importantly, to understand the concepts. They appreciate diverse views and discussions where current events are a normal part of their classroom conversations. As one student expressed it, “I am in a place where expectations are high but learning is fun.”
Moravian Academy provides its students strong college preparation with the following credits required for graduation:
English – 4 Mathematics – 3
Science – 3, including Biology and Chemistry History – 3, including Ancient, World, and United
States
Foreign Language – 3 in the same modern global language (French, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese) Religion or Ethics – ½
Fine and Performing Arts (grades 9-11) Health (grade 10)
Physical Education (grades 9-12)
The curriculum offers over 85 academic courses including both Honors and Advanced Placement opportunities.
Further academic enrichment is provided by the Honors Independent Study Program and a High School Scholars Program. The Honors Independent Study Program challenges select juniors and seniors to go beyond the curriculum to explore a topic of interest. Special honors recognition is given for completion of their independent study. Through the High School Scholars Program, a limited number of academically accelerated seniors are invited to take a college course at DeSales University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, or Moravian College for college credit and on a full scholarship basis.
The school’s semester classes are structured around 40-minute periods, with additional time scheduled for science labs. Upper School classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m. The daily schedule provides time for weekly chapel, class meetings, school assemblies, advisory group meetings, and co-curricular activities, many of which are proposed and organized by students. Upper School chapels are ecumenical in nature, sometimes conducted by the chaplain and other times led by students, faculty, or outside speakers.
Special Activities and Athletics
Students are encouraged to utilize their talents to their fullest potential both in and out of the classroom. Co-curricular activities enable them to lead, serve, and participate in student government, school publications, and clubs which focus on academic, career, and talent areas. While all of the arts attract strong interest, music is for many Academy students a significant area of involvement.
Interscholastic sports teams are fielded for cross-country, field hockey, golf, tennis, basketball, swimming, soccer, softball, and lacrosse. Wrestling, football, and track, while not offered on campus, are available for boys through a cooperative program with one of the local schools. Community service is a significant commitment for the Moravian student. By the end of the junior year, an Upper School student must have completed 40 hours of community service. Projects include clothing drives; volunteering at soup kitchens, homes for the elderly, and shelters for the homeless; food drives; and tutorial projects.
During a two-week period at the end of the academic year, Senior Post-Term provides opportunities for seniors to explore areas of special interest. Because seniors are finished with their classroom responsibilities, they are able to concentrate on a special interest. Some continue their community service activities, for example, working with Habitat for Humanity. Others use their time to follow a career interest or academic project.
College Matriculations
The following is a list of colleges and universities receiving multiple matriculations from members of Moravian’s classes of 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.
The School’s People
Students and Enrollment
Conversations with students reflect a wonderful spirit of involvement and appreciation for their school:
“I love the school’s small size and its distinctive spirit.” “This is a fun school.”
“I feel like I am in a very tight-knit community. It’s sort of a second home.”
“One of the things I especially like is our accepting environment.” “The academic program is great but you also have time and are
encouraged to participate in the other offerings of the school.” “There are lots of activities, so there is always somewhere to find
your place.”
“My teachers give lots of attention to us students and we find ourselves doing things we wouldn’t thought we were capable of.”
Arcadia University Lafayette College Babson College Lehigh University Barnard College Loyola College in Maryland Boston University Moravian College Brown University Mount Holyoke College Bryn Mawr College Muhlenberg College Bucknell University New York University Carnegie Mellon University Northwestern University Colgate University Pennsylvania State University College of William & Mary Princeton University Colorado College Rollins College Columbia University Rutgers University Connecticut College Smith College Cornell University Swarthmore College DeSales University Sweet Briar College Drew University Syracuse University Drexel University Temple University Elizabethtown College Tufts University Emory University University of Delaware Franklin and Marshall College University of Pennsylvania George Washington University University of Pittsburgh Hamilton College University of Richmond Haverford College Vassar College Hofstra University Wellesley College Ithaca College Wofford College
Student Profile
Parents
Moravian students come from families who have a strong commitment to quality education for their children. Most have chosen Moravian for the strength of its academic program. But they are also attracted to an educational environment which addresses values and honors the rich heritage of the school’s Moravian origins. They value the school’s inclusiveness, its commitment to educating the whole child, and its success in developing student independence and self-esteem. Between the parents and the school, there is a spirit of shared commitment for the growth of the child in mind, body, and spirit.
The Parents Association is a formalized organization for families to be involved in the life of the school. Meeting monthly, it provides leadership for school events and programs such as the Country Fair, uniform exchange, library volunteers, and school ambassadors.
Parents support the school generously in its fundraising efforts. For example, the Annual Fund last year netted $495,567, thanks in part to the extensive participation of parents. The Moravian Academy Ball, the school’s major fundraiser, each spring gathers the school community for dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions. Parent leadership and volunteerism were instrumental in last spring’s Ball raising approximately $137,000 for support of technology, financial aid, and campus improvements.
Enrollment
Total enrollment (pre-k – grade 12) 780
Lower School 310 Middle School 185 Upper School 285 Freshmen 70 Sophomores 67 Juniors 71 Seniors 77 Diversity
Total students of color (pre-k – grade 12) 220 International students (pre-k – grade 12) 19 Financial Aid
Percent of total students (pre-k – grade 12) 18% Percent of Upper School students (grades 9-12) 20% SAT/National Merit
Class of 2009 average SAT scores
Reading 645 Math 660 Writing 660 Class of 2009 National Merit recognitions 15
Faculty
Moravian Academy is blessed with a strong and dedicated faculty. According to one teacher, “There is something special about teaching here. It’s hard to put your finger on it, but I would describe it as a feeling of respect for all. There’s a sense of a team working together, inspired by the school’s traditions and the richness of its community.”
There are 60 full- and part-time faculty and staff members in the Upper School. Close to 90 percent of the Upper School faculty hold advanced degrees. Most full-time faculty members teach four classes and have responsibility for one other activity such as sponsoring the yearbook, literary magazine, or school newspaper. Several of the teachers add coaching as a part of their faculty responsibilities. As described by one of the school’s administrators, “Our faculty and staff are a group committed to working with students. They know what it means to be a student-centered community and would not be comfortable here unless they were supportive of our school’s mission.”
Moravian faculty members are committed to their own professional growth. Some programs are internal with teachers or administrators presenting information to colleagues on topics of interest and best practices. The school also provides financial assistance for graduate study and attendance at professional meetings. Professional development funds are a part of the school’s benefit package which also includes health insurance, retirement contribution to TIAA-CREF, and life insurance.
Administration
The school-wide leadership team meets weekly with the Headmaster. It includes the Division Directors and the Directors of Development, Diversity and Multicultural Programs, Marketing and Communications, Plant Operations, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Assistant Head of School.
Moravian Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid awards, and athletic or other school administered programs.
An advanced degree with strong academic preparation. Knowledge of high school curriculum in the 21st century. An open and accessible presence in the school with a
genuine interest and availability to students, faculty and staff, and parents.
A dedication to advancing esprit de corps within a
college-bound, independent school environment.
Substantial experience in upper school teaching and
administration, preferably in an independent school setting with firsthand knowledge of admissions, academic advising, student comportment, college counseling, and the role of arts and athletics in a college preparatory independent school.
Experience in hiring, supporting, and supervising faculty and
staff.
A proven track record of collaboration and teamwork. Strong communication skills, including a sense of humor. A compassionate disposition, with high moral standards. A passion to advance the spiritual roots and diversity of
Moravian Academy.
A leadership approach which embodies the school's mission:
developing mind, body, and spirit in an atmosphere of love and understanding.
Qualifications for the Position
The new Director of the Upper School should be an experienced educator who understands upper school students. Additionally, it is expected that he/she will have:
The Director of the Upper School is assisted in the administration of the division by the Director and the Associate Director of Academic and College Counseling, Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and the Admissions Director.
The Director of the Upper School reports directly to the Headmaster, George N. King, Jr., who was appointed to his position in 2007.
Board of Trustees
Moravian Academy is governed by a Board of Trustees. In addition to the voting members, there are four honorary trustees. Seven members of the administration attend board meetings as “Advisors” to the Board: the Headmaster, the Assistant Head, the three Division Directors, the Director of Development, and the CFO. There are three faculty members who serve as “Associate” Trustees.
In 2007, the trustees launched activities to develop a Strategic Plan for the School. Adopted in May, 2009, this plan and a Campus Master Plan are charting the school’s future with significant initiatives underway. One is a plan to relocate the Middle School to the Merle-Smith Campus. This will require a major capital campaign for the construction of a new Middle School building, renovations to existing facilities, and the construction of a new Athletic Center. Reflecting the plan’s goal to “support and constantly improve the curriculum,” a school wide curriculum mapping project is underway. A continuing goal for Moravian is unifying the community, overcoming distances imposed by separate campuses, expanding work across the divisions, and uniting a faculty separated not only by divisions but by miles.
Moravian is a school with exciting plans and opportunities. The new Director of the Upper School will be a critical player in bringing these plans to fruition.
Application Process
It is requested that interested candidates submit materials at the earliest possible date; preference will be given to those whose materials are received by March 1, 2010. Responsibilities begin July, 2010. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.
Application materials should be submitted electronically and include a resume, letter of interest, list of references with contact information (email and phone), and a personal statement of educational philosophy.
Richard K. Jung, Ed.D. Education Access Strategies, LLC
Office: 301-654-9732
dick@accesseduc.com / www.accesseduc.com
Mary E. Kesler The Education Group
Office: 214-696-3692 / 800-369-9102
